A major new road tunnel connecting the Royal Docks in Newham to the Greenwich Peninsula will be completed within a decade, Boris Johnson will announce tonight.

It is part of a package of new river crossings for the east of the capital, to ease chronic congestion and support growth in what the Greater London Authority describes as an “important and developing part of London”.

In a speech to industry chiefs and local government leaders this evening, Mr Johnson will argue that for London to remain a leading world city major investment in transport must press ahead.

The Mayor said: “When I look at London I see a city of incredible potential and tonight I will make the case for a huge new phase of investment, including a major new river crossing east of Tower Bridge.

“We are in the right time zone, speak the right language and have the young, skilled population to continue to attract investment from the world’s greatest businesses.”

It is expected that every hour around 2,400 vehicles will be able to travel through the new tunnel in each direction.

Transport for London will begin consulting on the works next month.

The underground crossing will follow a similar line to the cable car from North Greenwich to the Royal Docks currently under construction.

Around 2,500 pedestrians and cyclists are predicted to pass over the crossing every hour.

In addition to these projects, the mayor is proposing a new ferry run between Beckton and Thamesmead, to be completed by 2017, alongside an extension of the Northern line to Battersea.